After seven weeks the autumn class 2014 of the citizens academy is over. More than 30 citizens from Wyandotte County attended this class, which was a total of 56 hours.
They were shown a lot of what goes on in the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, which for many in the class gave them a greater understanding of what it takes to be a police officer. This is one part of the community involvement programs sponsored by the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department.
“This class went extremely well; it is designed to give citizens of Kansas City, Kan., a greater understanding of what it takes to be a police officer,” said Kansas City, Kan., Police Chief Ellen Hanson. “In the future we would like for groups to come out, even if it’s for one day, see what we are doing during a citizens academy. This is the last class in my tenure, I’m really proud of everyone who attended the class.”
One of those who attended was Dolores Butler, who is retired. She said, “This class totally enlightened me.”
“Overall it gave me a greater understanding and appreciation of what it takes to be a police officer especially in today’s society when in the past, things were a lot different,” she said.
Another person who attended the class was Chelsea Malcom. Chelsea will soon graduate from Park University with a degree in criminal justice.
“This class really enlightened me,” she said. “I eventually want to go to the police academy, possibly next fall.” It also gave her a greater understanding of the areas in which officers specialize.
The people who attend the class came from all walks of life, young, old, rich, poor. The goal was for community members to reach a greater understanding of what it takes to be a police officer and what a police officer goes through in everyday life.
At the end of the final class everyone attending was presented with a certificate of achievement and a DVD as well. In the spring of 2015 they will possibly start another class, according to officials. Currently, there is not a specific date. For more information on when the next citizen academy will start, call 913-596-2056.
